A fire that broke out early Saturday morning in Purok Interior, Barangay 18, Bacolod City, left 148 individuals homeless.
The blaze, which began at 8:51 am on the second floor of Merlinda Encarnacion’s residence, is believed to be electrical in origin.
The fire was raised on 3rd alarm before firefighters extinguished the flames by 10:14 am. At this time, the fire has already destroyed 18 houses and damaged three others, causing an estimated P3 million in damages according to the Bacolod City Fire Station.
The City Social Welfare Office, led by Alma Gustilo, reported that the fire displaced numerous families due to shared housing and renters in some of the affected homes. While some fire victims have found temporary shelter with relatives or at a nearby chapel, the city government has stepped in to offer assistance.
Meanwhile, Congressman Greg Gasataya said that his office has delivered rice and clothes for the fire victims and has also processed financial assistance to help them rise from this tragedy.
The Congressman added that his office also paid the rent for the shelter where they can temporarily stay as they recover.
